Chapter 31

1After he is …, let him be constant at the altar, offering prayers diligently and without ceasing. But sometimes let him rest alone in a house from the things belonging to the house of the Lord, without ceasing from or shortening his prayers by one hour. Let him fast three days each … throughout the year, so that he may be perfected in understanding. Moreover, let him fast according to his strength, not wandering here and there with every spirit, but doing everything earnestly.

2If it is revealed to a presbyter or bishop that he should speak, let him speak; but if not, let him not neglect or despise his work. If it is revealed to a presbyter that he should visit his parishes and speak the word, let him go; but if not, let him entreat God with supplication. If it is revealed to him that he should speak to them, let him do so, always bearing the burden and load of Him who was crucified for him and praying for all the people.

3Let no presbyter or bishop be anxious about food or clothing. God thinks of and cares for His own in the things He knows. But if, when he receives food or clothing from someone, he is told that he should also receive from another, let it be enough for him to receive from the first alone, and only as much as is fitting and necessary, not to excess.

4Let a presbyter always remain unchangeable in the firmness of faith, for God desires such people. Let him examine each person’s heart, lest evil kept and buried within make him a stranger to the grace of God. Let him not allow tares to grow among the good wheat, but let him remove them and cut off those who bring them in. Let no darkness cover his light.

5Let him teach all the faithful at all times to complete their course as though in the day, because the children of light do not walk in darkness. Let the teaching of the presbyter be fitting, quiet, and moderate, joined with fear and trembling; and let the bishop’s teaching be the same. In teaching, let them not speak vain things, but things that the hearers may remember.

6Let the presbyter remember everything he teaches. For on the day of the Lord the Word, he will be required to testify before the people concerning the things he spoke, so that those who did not hear may be reproved. He must stand before the glory of God, speaking the things he taught. Therefore let him teach in such a way that he does not perish.

7Let him pray for those who hear, that the Lord may give them understanding of the Spirit, knowledge, and truth. Let him not cast pearls before swine in vain, but let him seek those who are worthy, who have heard and acted, lest the Word fail to bear fruit in them and perish, and he himself prove to be the cause of its perishing. Let him not give holy things to dogs. Let him discern the signs of those who hear the word and bear good fruit.

8In everything, without anxiety, let him preserve the matter for the bishop. Let him neither neglect nor despise those who do good works through teaching, but let him watch for signs in them and judge those signs spiritually by their sighs, weeping, earnest conversations, silence, sadness, patience, and humble bowing of the head.

9The things that most effectively train and cause suffering are weeping and groaning. Their works are watchfulness, self-restraint, fasting, quietness, unceasing prayer, meditation, faith, meekness, love for humanity, labor, weariness, love, submission, goodness, dignity, and every work of light.

10The signs of those who do not bear the fruits of life are sloth, love of pleasure, eyes wandering in every direction, disobedience, complaining, restlessness, laziness that will not move, and wandering about. Their works are gluttony, debauchery, anger, unbelief, idle and untimely laughter, confusion, neglect, error, disturbance, wantonness, love of gain, love of money, envy, contention, drunkenness, pride, vain talk, love of praise, and every work of darkness.

11Let him recognize such fruits and speak to those who are worthy, but let him not waste time on those who do not receive his teaching. Those who sow on fruitless ground will reap misery.

12As is right and fitting, let the presbyter visit the homes of the sick with the deacon. Let him consider and say to them what is fitting and proper, especially to the faithful. Let him urge that the poor who are sick be helped by the Church, so that those who perform deeds of kindness may enter into the joy of their Lord.

13Let him strengthen those who have recently become catechumens with words from the prophets and the Gospel and with the word of teaching. Let him not neglect his prayers, for he is the image of the archangels; but let him know that God did not spare the angels who sinned.

14Let him fast, and if it is proper, let him drink from the cup. Let wine suffice him only in the amount that, in his judgment, benefits and helps him, lest he receive to his harm the drink intended for his healing. In sickness, let him eat herbs and fish, so that he may also attend to his work.

15In everything let the priest be an example to the faithful in the work of holiness. Let the presbyter offer praise and thanksgiving in the same way as the bishop.